Step 1

Release the Tension

You'll need to release the tension in the torsion spring before you begin working on the garage door. Start by clamping adjustable locking pliers onto the torsion spring shaft and wedging the pliers against the header wall above the door.

Insert a steel rod into one of the holes in the spring winding cone, which has four holes used for loosening and tightening.
Hold tightly to the rod, and loosen the setscrews holding the winding cone in place.

Use the steel rods to loosen the spring one-quarter turn at a time. Alternate the two rods, using one to hold the cone steady and the other to turn the cone after the first rod is removed.

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Step 2

Remove Old Door Panels

Begin removing the door panels. Start at the top panel, and remove the hinges connected to the panel below (Image 1). Be careful when dealing with glass.

Step 2: Comments

Step 3

Secure Support Bar

If you're installing a two-car garage door, place a reinforcing bar on the top panel to prevent the door from bowing in the center. Be sure the bar is centered on the panel. Drill pilot holes (Image 1), and secure the bar with screws.

Attach Hinges

Place Door Panels

Place the bottom panel into the door opening. Hold the panel upright by driving a nail into the wall next to the panel and bending it over to hold the panel in place (Image 3). Make sure it's level before attaching the next panel.

Install the Door Panels

Begin installing your new door. If you're installing a two-car garage door, place a reinforcing bar on the top panel to prevent the door from bowing in the center. Be sure the bar is centered on the panel. Drill pilot holes (Image 1), and secure the bar with screws.

Attach hinges to the top of each panel (Image 2). Many new doors come with pilot holes drilled by the manufacturer.

Attach axle supports to the bottom of the bottom panel and to the top of the top panel.

Place the bottom panel into the door opening. Hold the panel upright by driving a nail into the wall next to the panel and bending it over to hold the panel in place (Image 3). Make sure it's level before attaching the next panel.

Attach the next panel on top of the first one. Make sure the groove of the upper panel rests on the ridge of the lower panel. Repeat the process until all the panels are in place. The final panel should extend 1" or so past the top of the door opening.

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Step 4

Secure Hinges to Panel

From inside the garage, secure the top half of each hinge to the panel above (Image 1). Place the wheeled axles into the side hinges and the top and bottom axle supports.

Attach Door Cable

Secure the Hinges and Install the Track

From inside the garage, secure the top half of each hinge to the panel above (Image 1).

Place the wheeled axles into the side hinges and the top and bottom axle supports.

Begin installing the track by attaching brackets to the vertical track pieces. Check your instruction manual to be sure you're installing the brackets in the correct places.

After attaching the brackets, place them against the wall, and make sure the wheels lie properly in the track (Image 2). Attach the door cable to the hook on the bottom panel axle support before attaching the bottom bracket to the wall (Image 3).

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Step 5

Put Together Spring Assembly

Assemble the pieces to support the spring assembly, and attach them to the track (Image 1). Check the instruction manual to make sure you're installing the assembly in the correct place.

Attach the Spring Assembly to the Track

Assemble the pieces to support the spring assembly, and attach them to the track (Image 1). Check the instruction manual to make sure you're installing the assembly in the correct place.

Rest the curved portion of the track on the vertical piece you installed earlier (Image 2), and attach the other end to the ceiling bracket (Image 3). Use the same ceiling supports that were used with the old door.

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Step 6

Bolt Tracks Together

Drill a hole through the horizontal track to line up with the vertical track. Use the holes in the vertical track to determine where to drill the hole, then bolt the tracks together.

Slide Wheel to the Header Bracket

Attach the Cable

Bring the cable up from below, and attach it to the pulley wheel on both sides (Image 1). Turn the wheel so the slack is pulled tight over the pulley from the door side. Slide the wheel to the header bracket, and tighten it securely (Image 2).

Tighten a pair of locking pliers to the rod on the outside of the bracket. This will prevent the rod from turning when you begin to tighten the springs.

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Step 10

Tighten the Springs

Snap a chalk line across the springs. This will help you know how many times you've turned the springs when you begin tightening.

Use the steel rods to tighten the spring by reversing the loosening procedure you used on the old door. Check your owner's manual to determine how many turns are required to tighten the spring. Look at the chalk line to confirm how many turns you've made.

When you reach the appropriate tension, tighten the bolts in the anchor to lock it in place, and remove the pliers from the torsion rod.

Installing pre-hung doors is the most popular method of hanging new doors or replacing old ones. All you have to do is install the unit into a rough opening. Follow these steps to install a pre-hung door in your home.